Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a few enquiries from members regarding their rights and responsibilities when it comes to Unions wanting to access the worksite.
It is important that all employees understand that a union organiser may enter a workplace under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act) for one of two reasons:
- to hold discussions with employees; or
- to investigate a suspected breach of an award, agreement or piece of legislation.
There are several rules set out in the Act regarding an employer’s rights and obligations, and the union organiser’s rights and obligations.
FTMA Australia has always prided themselves on the fact that we encourage members to be good employers and I have no doubt they are. Many members go above and beyond what is expected of them and the fact that so many businesses have employees who have worked with them for 10, 15, 20 or 25+ years shows that Fabricators are good employers.
Just like we encourage members to engage with their relevant Work Safe Authorities we also encourage you to work with the unions as the Fair Work Act 2009 does give them the right of entry.
For more information on your rights and responsibilities please visit the members only section of the website to download an FTMA Fact Sheet on Unions Right of Entry – An employer’s rights and responsibilities.
If you have any queries, please call me on 0418 226 242.